St. Philip the Apostle School - Curriculum Guide

Grade Three

 

RELIGION
Third graders will learn through stories, activities, Scripture, prayer, discussion and reflection about their Catholic faith.  Catholic values are discussed and integrated not only in Religion, but in all  learning. The focus is on:

  
· God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
  
· planning & assisting in liturgy  and  other forms of worship
  
·  the sacraments
  
· service
  
· liturgical seasons
  
· lives of saints
  
· Church as community

LANGUAGE ARTS/READING
The Language Arts Program includes reading, writing, speaking, listening, and the study of literature.  The components of the program emphasize the development of those skills that allow students to read with fluency, comprehend and interpret written materials, communicate well and listen and speak effectively.  The skills acquired and understood are applied and reinforced in all content areas. The textbook used for reading is Houghton Mifflin.

READING/LITERATURE
Children will experience authentic literature in the form of poetry, folktales, nonfiction, fiction, biographies, fantasies and plays.  Reading fluency will develop and improve as students are presented with the following skills:
  
· using phonetic and structural analysis
  
· using word identification strategies
  
· developing vocabulary
  
· understanding character, setting
  
· drawing conclusions
  
· making predictions
  
· sequencing events of a story
  
· distinguishing fact from fantasy
  
· using graphic organizers
  
· self-appraising and self-correcting while reading
  

WRITING
Third grade students use writing to convey
 meaning.

Students will:
  
· write legibly using cursive
  
· write multiple sequential sentences on a given topic
   · apply spelling knowledge
  
· apply grammar and mechanics
         parts of speech
         simple tenses
         punctuation
  
· use  the writing process including pre-writing, writing, revising, editing, and final draft
  
· write in multiple forms
         guided writing
         friendly letters
         descriptive paragraphs
         narrative stories
         book reviews

LISTENING/SPEAKING
Third grade students will listen for understanding, follow directions and respond appropriately to the speaker. Students will use acquired language and vocabulary to express opinions. 

They will:
  
· present material orally
  
· participate in small & large  group discussion
  
· demonstrate listening skills by asking questions,  paraphrasing and restating

TECHNOLOGY & REFERENCE SKILLS
Third grade students will study, retain and use information from a variety of sources. 

Students will:
   
· use reference materials both print and and electronic
   
· locate biographies and fiction
   
· combine  text, clip art to create a  product
   
· print 
   
·  understand & develop a basic database
   
·  identify usefulness of technology


MATHEMATICS
Third grade students acquire a knowledge of  mathematics and the ability to apply math skills to solve problems through the use of the textbook,  extended activities, and hands on experiences.

Students will:
 
· identify place value in four digit numbers
 
· use number line
 
· add and subtract 2 and 3 digit numbers
 
· solve multiple step word problems
 
· chart, compare and graph data
 
· know multiplication and division facts
  · recognize fractional units
 
· measure and compare units of length capacity and weight
 
· identify patterns, using fact families
 
· graph and explain data
 
· identify, classify, compare and describe characteristics of shapes
 
SCIENCE
Students use concrete, hands-on experiences to  understand science in the physical and natural world around them. They learn through observing, predicting, questioning and explaining. 

Students will:
 
· collect & chart data
 
· describe simple life cycles of plants, animals
 
· recognize relationship of living things and their environment
 
· identify physical properties of matter
 
· identify cycles and motions of the solar system               
 
· identify importance of science
     

SOCIAL STUDIES
Third grade students develop an awareness of the world around them and how people affect their environment.

The focus will be:
 
· communities and  the need for government      
 
· geography/map skills
 
· appreciation of cultural differences
 
· meeting needs through goods and services


PHYSICAL EDUCATION

In third grade, students learn and explore factors that affect a healthy lifestyle.

Students will participate in
 
· personal fitness activities
 
· develop and demonstrate gross motor skills
 
· follow more complex sequences and  movement in games and dance
 
· participate in cooperative group games

ART
In third grade, students will have the opportunity to express themselves in various art forms.

Students will:
 
· communicate through art using a variety of media and tools
 
· appreciate various art works
 
· learn how art reflects and shapes society and life.

MUSIC
In third grade, students will have the opportunity to participate in music activities and to develop an appreciation for music.

Students will:

    · sing in groups
   
· read basic musical notes
   
· distinguish various types of musical instruments and elements

 

   

REPORTING

A report of student progress will be distributed approximately half way through each quarter.

Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled in early November, but can be requested at any time.

Students will receive a report card at each of the four marking periods.


HOMEWORK
Third grade students will be assigned homework as needed for practice and reinforcement as well as for the completion of special projects.

 

PARENTS CAN HELP BY
  · Modeling active participation in weekly liturgy, daily prayer and service
 
· Being supportive of teachers and policies.

  · Showing an interest in homework, while encouraging student independence.
 
· Limiting extracurricular activities which interfere with schoolwork.
 
· Staying in touch with the school

 

 

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